Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Spirit AeroSystems has completed a long-anticipated process through which most of its operations have been acquired by Boeing, while rival airframer Airbus has absorbed some of the group’s assets. U.S.-based Spirit delisted from the New York Stock Exchange as the dual transactions were concluded on Monday morning.
Boeing has absorbed all the Spirit operations that support its airliner and military programs. These include fuselages for the 737 family, plus aerostructures for the 787, 777, and 767, and fuselages for the P-8 and KC-46 defense platforms.
Conversely, Airbus has acquired operations that contribute substantially to its civil programs. These assets include A350 fuselage production lines in North Carolina and France, the A220 wing and mid-fuselage facility in Northern Ireland, and component shops for multiple aircraft types in Morocco and Scotland. A220 pylon production is to be moved from Wichita to a site near Toulouse in France.
Under a deal brokered with Spirit and Boeing, Airbus has received $439 million in compensation for agreeing to take on the assets. It also received some further settlements to cover liabilities.
Boeing has merged most of Spirit’s aerostructures business with its Commercial Airplanes business unit. The aftermarket business is now part of its Global Services division, while Spirit’s defense work will operate independently. Boeing has retained parts of Spirit’s operation at Belfast in Northern Ireland.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Boeing Absorbs Spirit AeroSystems with Airbus Taking Some Parts

Aerostructures and components group has been split between rival airframers

The future of Spirit AeroSystems has been resolved with Boeing acquiring most of the U.S.-based OEM, while Airbus has absorbed some parts in a complex deal.

Boeing Absorbs Spirit with Airbus Taking Some Parts

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

The OEM’s new speedy flagship was first announced in 2022

Bombardier Delivers First Global 8000

The super-midsize jet was first announced in September

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Kerry Lynch

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

House of Representatives aviation subcommittee addressed new sector's needs

U.S. AAM Advocates Call for More Regulatory Clarity

Swiss start-up has published a photo of its latest 1:9 scale demonstrator

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Jennifer Meszaros

Yivtol was one of several eVTOL aircraft developers at the Aero Asia show 

Chinese Start-up Offers Ultralight Personal eVTOL Aircraft

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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